Kennebunk — The following list of 15 men, charged with engaging a prostitute, was released Nov. 9, following an ongoing investigation.

The new list added to two previous lists totaling 39 now makes 54 men who have been charged with prostitution, a misdemeanor, in the same case.

Police say those who are charged used the services of Alexis Wright, 29, of Wells. Wright is charged with operating a prostitution business out of her Pura Vida Studio and an office space on High Street in Kennebunk.

Maine State Police had been assisting the Kennebunk Police Department for several months with an ongoing investigation of the crimes alleged in Kennebunk from October 2010 through Feb. 14, 2012.

The complete client list may contain more than 100 names, and police say they will be releasing groups of names as alleged clients are given summonses.

The next list is scheduled to appear on the Friday after Thanksgiving week.

Wright was indicted by the York County grand jury on 106 counts, including charges of engaging in prostitution, violation of privacy, and tax evasion.

Thomaston insurance broker Mark Strong Sr., 57, of Thomaston, was indicted on 59 counts of promotion of prostitution, invasion of privacy, and conspiracy in the case.

Both pleaded not guilty in Maine Superior Court in Cumberland County.

Lt. Anthony J. Bean Burpee, Professional Standards and C.I.D. Commander for the Kennebunk police, said the investigation is ongoing and more charges are expected.

The following men have been charged with engaging a prostitute and are expected to appear in Biddeford District Court: The men's ages range from 32 to 68. Five are in their 30s, three are in their 40s, five are in their 50s, and two are in their 60s.

Peter B. Chavonelle Jr., 47, of Windham, on Oct. 29 was charged with engaging a prostitute. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court, Jan. 23, 2013.

Derek M. Chapman, 32, of Portland, on Oct. 31 was charged with engaging a prostitute. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court Dec. 19.

Jeffrey A. Rogers, 38, of Scarborough was charged Oct. 30 with engaging a prostitute. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court on Jan. 23, 2013.

Craig S. Patterson, 53, of South Portland, was charged Nov. 1 with engaging a prostitute. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court on Jan. 23, 2013.

Stanley H. Cornwall Jr., 50, of Buxton, was charged Nov. 1 with engaging a prostitute. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court Jan. 23, 2013.

Robert W. Hazleton Jr., 68, of Estero, Fla., was charged Nov. 1 with engaging a prostitute. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court Jan. 23, 2013.

Jason A. Douin, 38, of Augusta, was charged Nov. 2 with engaging a prostitute. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court Jan. 23, 2013.

Wendall Wayne Fessendan, 62, of Kennebunkport, was charged Nov. 2 with engaging a prostitute. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court Jan. 23,2013.

Brian R. Bedard, 38, of Biddeford, was charged Nov. 5 with engaging a prostitute. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court Jan. 23, 2013.

Michael A. McInnis, 53, of Saco, was charged Nov. 6 with engaging a prostitute. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court on Jan. 23,2013.

James Andrew Ferreira, 49, of South Portland, on Nov. 7 was charged with engaging a prostitute. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court Jan. 23, 2013.

Jeffrey R. Beaupre, 46, of Lyman, was charged Nov. 7 with engaging a prostitute. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court Jan. 23, 2013.

Thomas E. Powers, 56, of Edgecomb, was charged Nov. 7 with engaging a prostitute. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court Jan. 23, 2013.

William Lee Kerr, 53, of Augusta, was charged Nov. 8 with engaging a prostitute. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court Jan. 23, 2013.

Jeffrey L. Comeau, 35, of Berwick, was charged Nov. 9 with engaging a prostitute. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court Jan. 23, 2013.

Courier Publications reporter George Chappell can be reached by phone at 207-594-4401, ext. 117, or by email at gchappell@courierpublicationsllc.com.

Comments (7)

Posted by: CAROLYN ELLIOTT | Nov 19, 2012 20:59

whats good for the goose is good for the gander

Posted by: Yep I Said It | Nov 12, 2012 16:59

Anybody with the name "John" should cry foul! Why not Dave, Ralph, or Julio?

Posted by: Jack Rich | Nov 12, 2012 14:53

Good point Laurel. I got a bit excited, but you are right. Aside from the police blogs that publish actual events, until one is convicted, thier names should not be published.

Posted by: Laurel Pierce | Nov 12, 2012 07:52

@ Jack Rich - how is publishing the names of the accused any different than publishing names of people that have been accused of a crime, but have yet to have their day in court? How about the fact that for years the names of prostitutes have been published for committing a crime, yet the men who paid for their services, who have also committed a crime, are withheld? Seems a bit sexist to me.

Posted by: Richard McKusic, Sr. | Nov 11, 2012 05:08

What has done more harm: The prostitution or the prosecution? :(

Posted by: Jack Rich | Nov 10, 2012 18:59

I thought about that too, but i don't believe the police and prosecutors want the media feeding frenzy. It hurts thier case too.I do not agree with releasing the names of the clients to the public. They could of gotten the same results sending them a subpoena privately and respecting the harm it causes the innocent family members. Not to mention they haven't even convicted the defendants, but they have convicted the "johns" in public without any trial and caused permanent damage to their families. I am so not condoning the charges and actions of defendants. But very dissapointed with the decision to publish those names. Innocent until proven guilty. I don't understand the motives they had for doing such a thing. Unacceptable.

Posted by: Alan Heal | Nov 10, 2012 07:48

it would seem like the kennebunk police and da is dragging this out to try the case in the media.